spotlight

Dates
June 16-July 3, 2008

Location
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities,
East Bank Campus

Credit Earned
3 graduate credits

Connections between Algebraic Processes and Geometric Structures

Course Description

Spend three weeks deepening your mathematical knowledge! The first week will cover algebraic foundations by discussing and exploring topics such as subtraction and negative numbers, fractions, and the Pythagorean Theorem. As participants delve into visual representations and manipulatives that help students (and teachers) struggling to understand difficult but foundational math concepts, they will discover new connections between division, multiplication and addition. During the second week discussions will cover the geometric applications of division and fractions, finding Pythagorean Triples through experimentation, and exploring representational systems for shape, position and movement. Participants will investigate mathematical situations through pattern, symmetry and transformations, and study the characteristics of and relationships between two and three dimensional shapes. The final week will allow participants to work with an instructional team to develop concept-specific mathematics enrichment units adaptable for a wide range of student skills, comprehension and experiences. These materials will be aligned with the state and national standards for grades 3–7 mathematics curricula.

Tuition and fees for 3 graduate semester credits in mathematics as well as daily lunches, a parking stipend, and all books and materials are grant-funded.

Academic Year Requirements
Academic Year Schedule

How to Apply
Questions and Answers

Academic year requirements

To receive an "A" in this course, participate in the following:

I) Two Academic Year events:
i) One “Professional Development Saturday”
ii) One of any of the “Other Professional Development Activities”
II) Final Workshop

To receive a "B+" in your course, participate in the Final Workshop.

You will receive a "B" in your course if you do not attend any Academic Year activities.

If you need to miss several days of class, you will have to make a special arrangement with us and you will receive a separate email with your specific Academic Year requirements.

Go to the schedule of Academic Year activities for a list of events and activities available to fulfil these requirements.

Academic year schedule

2008 Events have yet to be planned. Here is a list for summer 2007 Participants

Professional Development Saturdays (1 required)
Date	Activity	Time
October 13, 2007	Tessellating Patterns (grades 4-5)	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
October 27, 2007	Topology & Knot Theory	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
November 10, 2007	Spherical Journeys (grades 5-6)	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
January 26, 2008	Directions in Space (grades 6-7)	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
February 9, 2008	Gear Up for the Future	8:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
March 1, 2008	Symbolic Systems and Number Patterns	8:15 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Other Professional Development Activities (1 required*)
Date	Activity	Time
Friday, October 19, 2007	Half Day Workshop	9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007	Seminar	5:00-7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008	Seminar	5:00-7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008	Seminar	5:00-7:00 p.m.
*You may participate in more than one in this category if you so wish.
Final Workshop
Date	Time
May 2008	5:00-7:00 p.m.

How to Apply

Download and print an application form. Complete application form and fax or mail to the ITCEP office, Attn: Teacher Professional Development.

Fax: 612-626-1150

Address: 4 Vincent Hall
206 Church St SE
Minneapolis MN 55455

Questions and Answers

Who is leading the project?

IT Center for Educational Programs (ITCEP), University of Minnesota

For whom is the program intended?

Teachers of grades 3-7 should apply.

What are the objectives?

Deepen teacher understanding of mathematics concepts and their connections to classroom topics primarily included in the grades 4-6 curriculum,
Increase understanding of student questions and learning issues for these concepts,
Participation in a teacher professional development network during the academic year which supports learning more mathematics, improvement of teaching, and integrating important math enrichment topics in the classroom curriculum, as well as providing other professional opportunities.

How is the project structured?

Summer coursework: 14 class days at the University of Minnesota
Academic year professional development activities: Including choices from Professional Development Saturdays, academic seminars, and workshops.

NOTE: Additional academic year professional development and networking opportunities will be available on an optional basis.

Where and when is the Summer Institute being held?

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, East Bank
Monday, June 16 to Thursday, July 3, 2008 (14 Days), 9 AM-3:30 PM.
Additional tutorials or homework/enrichment unit development assistance may be scheduled as needed before or following class.

Who are the instructors?

Senior and post-doctorial university mathematics faculty and K-12 teacher leaders/mentors.

What is funded by the grant for each teacher participant?

Tuition and Fees for 3 graduate credits in mathematics from the University of MN
Transportation/Parking supplement
Daily Lunches and Snacks
All Books and Materials
$300 stipend for teachers who satisfactorily complete the summer course and academic year professional development component

How do I apply?

Fax or mail application to ITCEP

Fax: 612-626-1150

Address: 4 Vincent Hall
206 Church St SE
Minneapolis MN 55455

When is the application deadline?

The final deadline is Friday, May 2, 2008.

Additional questions to ITCEP at 612-625-2861 or itcep@umn.edu.

Connections between Algebraic Processes and Geometric Structures

Professional Development Saturdays (1 required)

Other Professional Development Activities (1 required*)

Final Workshop